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Abstract

Background: We previously demonstrated that three-dimensional inversion-recovery T1-weighted imaging (MPRAGE) could successfully identify complicated atheromas, which are associated with ipsilateral ischemic cerebral symptoms, as high-intensity signals within the carotid arterial wall. We hypothesized that these carotid plaques may predict subsequent cardiovascular events in patients with ischemic heart disease.

Methods: We examined 186 patients with chronic ischemic heart disease using plaque imaging by MPRAGE on a clinical MRI system. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of high-intensity MPRAGE signals. High-intensity MPRAGE signals were defined by intensities 200% higher than those of the adjacent muscles. We also measured cholesterol profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as markers for cardiovascular risk. The endpoint of this study was major adverse cardiovascular events (sudden death, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, urgent revascularization, or hospital admission for unstable angina).